Ideas (for 3 different budgets) to create a cosy living room this winter

Ideas (for 3 different budgets) to create a cosy living room this winter

If you’re looking for ways to beat the chill this winter it may be worth investing in new ways to make your living room cosier and more inviting.Here are a few ideas for three different price points so you can warm up your home regardless of your budget ASAP.

Luxe for less ($150 or less)Just like we do with clothing when the seasons get colder, layer up the texture, textiles and lighting you use to decorate your living room to ramp up the warmth this winter.

Woolly throwsPair sheepskin rugs and chunky knit throws for that deluxe sofa or armchair look your guests will be fighting for pole position over. Think materials like mohair, faux fur, wool and cashmere to take the luxe factor to the next level.Available in a variety of gorgeous colours, Adairs sheepskins start from $126.

Popular for its opulent sheen and softness, velvet is the perfect textile for layering up cosy couch cushions. Rich hues of navy blue, ruby or emerald are the perfect complements for moody winter décor colour scheme.Hunt down a bargain velvet cushion at Target for $20 each.

Warm lightingAmbient lighting can go a long way to making a space look warm and inviting. Invest in a floor lamp with lampshade or a table lamp using warm light bulbs to give your living area that glow that makes you want to snuggle up with a good book for hours at a time. Extra points for lighting a few candles to create that shimmery romantic ambience.

Kmart has a great range of table lamps for $20, LED candles for $10 and scented candles starting at just $1.

Who says entertaining during winter is strictly limited to the living room indoors. Host a bonfire with friends and family in front of your fire pit. Think roasted marshmallows, camp singalongs and ghost stories for a gathering with a fun wintry twist. Outdoor Fire Pits unique designs start at $500.

On a clear evening, take homely indoor elements out to your patio living space (think floor rugs, mirrors, lamps, cushions) to beckon people outside. Don’t forget to add extra blankets, cushions, lanterns and outdoor heaters for practicality and extra comfort.

Toss aside your slippers and bed socks this winter, and spoil your footsies by installing underfloor heating. It can even be retro fitted under carpet, laminate and engineered floors. Best of all the radiant heat it produces is an energy efficient, silent and low maintenance way to heat your home.Note: The average cost to install a radiant heating system according to homeadvisor.com is $3,779.

Gas fireplace

A gas Heat and Glo fireplace is much more affordable than attempting to install an open fireplace and chimney. Plus, no firewood chopping is necessary! You can get very modern see-through units with fireglass or more traditional log look fireplaces. Gas fireplaces start at about $3,500.